Elita weakened to tropical depression status while crossing the island, and after exiting into the southwest Indian Ocean, it turned to the west and moved ashore in eastern Madagascar on January 31.

Elsewhere, Elita brought rainfall and damage to Mozambique and Malawi, and its outer wind circulation produced rough seas and strong gusts in Seychelles, Mauritius, and Réunion.

That day, the MFR upgraded the system to Moderate Tropical Storm Elita near Juan de Nova Island.

[2] On the same day, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC)[nb 2] initiated advisories on the system, designating it Tropical Cyclone 09S.

[3] Steered by a ridge to the west, the nascent Tropical Storm Elita turned northward over its previous path, an unusual trajectory for the Mozambique Channel.

The convection fluctuated until January 28, when a curved rainband developed and quickly organized into an eyewall; this followed a decrease in wind shear.

The airport there recorded 10 minute sustained winds of 126 km/h (78 mph), and on that basis, the MFR upgraded Elita to tropical cyclone status in post-season analysis.

With warm waters and low wind shear, Elita re-intensified off the west coast of Madagascar, reaching moderate tropical storm status for a third time on February 1.

[2][5] Crossing Madagascar for a third time, Elita closely followed the trajectory of its second passage, emerging into the Indian Ocean near Manakara on February 3.

Despite initial forecasts of re-intensification, Elita accelerated southeastward and lost its remaining convection, leaving its center exposed under the influence of a strong upper-level trough.

[4] The Mozambique National Institute of Meteorology advised people living in Nampula, Zambezia, Sofala, and Inhambane Provinces to make preparations for strong winds and rainfall.

[2] Throughout the country, Cyclone Elita destroyed or severely damaged 12,408 homes,[8] which left 55,983 people homeless,[4] primarily in Mahajanga and Toliara.

The cyclone affected five of the six provinces of Madagascar, with roads and power being severely disrupted in some areas;[8] at least 39 bridges were damaged or destroyed.

[4] A tornado also affected the city during Elita's third transit of Madagascar, which killed two people and destroyed a soap manufacturing plant.

[4] In the capital city Antananarivo, 90 km/h (56 mph) wind gusts caused power outages and damaged part of the Rova, or the Queen's Palace.

[15] Officials distributed emergency relief items to the affected areas, including rice, sugar, soap, candles, matches and water purification tablets.

The combined efforts of the United Nations and aid agencies repaired the schools and distributed meals to the families affected by the disaster.